10 best bars for ASU downtown Phoenix students

ASU students will love the bars on this list, from laid-back dive bars to top-notch music venues with up-and-coming acts, fun, games and activities. Some accommodate for those younger than 21, too.
Wochit

That Rocko's Modern Life shirt was a great choice at Cobra Arcade Bar during the 90s Bar Crawl on Saturday, January 27, 2018.(Photo: Melissa Fossum/Special for the Republic)

With the staggering amount of development and growth of Arizona State University in downtown Phoenix, the area has become a lively, central hub.

It boasts a diverse crop of nightlife options, from laid-back dive bar to top-notch music venues with up-and-coming acts and fun-filled bars with games and activities.

Here are the top bars for ASU students in downtown Phoenix — if you're 21 and older, of course, though some make special accommodations for the underage crowd, too.

The Whining Pig

The scene at The Whining Pig during Urban Ale Trail on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017.(Photo: Melissa Fossum/Special for azcentral.com)

The fifth Valley location of this craft beer and wine bar features an extensive and carefully curated list of adult beverages. It has a distinct neighborhood vibe with its signature bar topped with pennies, warm lighting and wood accents, chalkboards filled with daily offerings and whimsical art, plus lots board games. Happy hour runs longer than most spots, from 1 to 8 p.m. daily and features discounts on select beers and wines by the glass. The $6 grilled cheese sandwiches are filling and won't break the bank.

Gracie's Tax Bar

Owned by Grace Perry, this hip watering hole is located in an old building that used to offer tax services, and opened summer of 2017. It's a no-nonsense spot with good, cheap drinks and food offerings perfect for those late night munchies, including a chopped cheese sandwich, fried pickles and tater tots. Entertain yourself with board games and the great jukebox. There's also a back patio.

The Lost Leaf

Lost Leaf in the Roosevelt arts district features a cozy, neighborhood vibe.(Photo: Jeremiah Toller)

This intimate, darkly lit bar in an old house in the Roosevelt Arts District is a hot spot during First Fridays. It features all-Arizona beers on tap and a unique variety of bottled and canned brews from around the world. There's live performances and entertainment nightly including music, dance, comedy and trivia nights; and artwork from Valley artists are on display. Happy hour runs from opening to 7 p.m. daily featuring $1 off any beer or wine $4 or more.

Monarch Theatre/Bar Smith

Monarch Theatre and Bar Smith are neighboring joints from the same owners, and among the few nightclubs downtown. At Monarch Theatre, international DJs often provide the sounds. Bar Smith hosts an eclectic mix of performers downstairs in the main room, and also upstairs on the rooftop patio for a truly unique experience, often with cool light shows.

Bikini Lounge

This longtime tiki-themed dive bar in the artsy Grand Avenue district is a quick ride or a leisurely walk from downtown, and a local favorite with cheap drinks, jukebox, pool table and island-inspired decor. Order a tropical cocktail or get an ice-cold beer in a mini pitcher. The bar takes cash only (there's an ATM on the premises). Check out its Facebook page for regular dance nights.

Details: 1502 Grand Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-0472.

Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

Located in the historic 10-story Luhrs Building, this bar sits beneath what was the Prohibition Department until 1934. The menu is a 32-page themed Book o' Cocktails that features a wide variety of playful drinks and spirits, and a non-alcoholic drink section. Creative eats include the Ramen "Momo" Burger, Korean Nachos and Seoul Fried Chicken. Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays (food served until 1:30 a.m.), with happy hour from 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. The bar is busy on the weekends and everyone needs to have a seat, so download the Nowait or Yelp app and you can put your name on the list before you arrive.

You and your date will feel cosmopolitan sitting in a high-backed booth and sipping an expertly made cocktail at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, a lounge inside the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

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Valley Bar

Valley Bar is a small music venue in the basement of a three-story building that you enter through the back alley. On one side is the gritty music stage with indie acts and dance nights. On the other is the Rose Room lounge with a cocktail list paying homage to Arizona politicians past and present including the Janet Napolotini, That's A Ducey and Castro Margarita. The food menu includes flatbreads, smothered fries and a charcuterie board. Find the hidden Reading Room for a more private experience.

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Bartender Corey Gomez holds the "Rose Mofford" cocktail in front of a portrait of former Arizona Governor Rose Mofford in Valley Bar in Downtown phoenix on Thur, Sept. 15, 2016. Rose Mofford, the namesake for the cocktail, died on Thursday at the age of 94.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The "Rose Mofford" sits on the bar at Valley Bar in downtown Phoenix on Sep. 15, 2016. Rose Mofford, the former governor of Arizona and namesake for the cocktail in this photo, died on Thursday at the age of 94.
Hannah Gaber/The Republic

Dennis Skinner (left) and Janine Skinner (right) hold the "Rose Mofford" cocktail in front of a portrait of former Arizona Governor Rose Mofford in Valley Bar in downtown Phoenix on Thur, Sept. 15, 2016. Rose Mofford, the namesake for the cocktail, died on Thursday at the age of 94.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

Charlie Levy, the owner of Valley Bar, writes a note to place on a portrait of former governor Rose Mofford at Valley Bar in downtown Phoenix on Sept. 15, 2016. Mofford died on Thursday at the age of 94.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

Bartender Corey Gomez places a note on a portrait of former governor Rose Mofford at Valley Bar in downtown Phoenix on Sept. 15, 2016. Mofford died on Thursday at the age of 94.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

Charlie Levy, the owner of Valley Bar, places a note on a portrait of former governor Rose Mofford at Valley Bar in downtown Phoenix on Sept. 15, 2016. Mofford died on Thursday at the age of 94.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The Bikini Lounge on Grand Avenue is a well-known Tiki-themed dive bar with cheap drinks, pool table and a jukebox. It's cash only at this bar, but there's an ATM on the premises. Order a tropical cocktail or get an ice-cold beer in a mini pitcher. Check out its Facebook page for regular dance nights.
Patrick Breen

Located in the historic 10-story Luhrs Building, this bar sits beneath what was the Prohibition Department until 1934. The menu is a 32-page themed Book o' Cocktails that features a wide variety of playful drinks and spirits, and a non-alcoholic drink section. The bar is busy on the weekends and everyone needs to have a seat, so download the Nowait or Yelp app and you put your name on the list before you arrive.
Bitter & Twisted

The Whining Pig is a neighborhood craft beer and wine bar featuring an extensive and carefully curated list of adult beverages. It has a distinct neighborhood vibe with its signature bar topped with pennies, warm lighting and wood accents, chalkboards filled with daily offerings and whimsical art, plus lots board games. Happy hour runs longer than most spots, from 1 to 8 p.m. daily and features discounts on select beers and wines by the glass. The $6 grilled cheese sandwiches are filling and won't break the bank.
Courtesy of Daniel Caprario

Owned by Grace Perry, Gracie's Tax Bar is a hip, laidback watering hole located in an old building that used to offer tax services, and opened summer of 2017. It's a no-nonsense spot with good, cheap drinks and food offerings perfect for those late night munchies, including a chopped cheese sandwich, fried pickles and tater tots. Entertain yourself with board games and the great jukebox. There's also a back patio.
Kellie Hwang

Lost Leaf is a cozy, darkly lit bar in an old house Roosevelt arts district. A hot spot during First Fridays, the bar features all Arizona beers on tap and a unique variety of bottled and canned brews from around the world. There's live performances and entertainment nightly including music, dance, comedy and trivia nights; and artwork from Valley artists are on display.
Jeremiah Toller

Valley Bar is tucked underground in downtown Phoenix. Be sure to check out the "secret" room in the corner of the bar. There are board games and pool tables available to play.
Melissa Fossum/Special for The Republic

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This adults-only "barcade" showcases about 40 restored arcade cabinets, local artwork and video game-themed cocktails with names like Princess Peach and Krazy Kong that run $8-$10. DJs perform regularly. There's also a decent craft beer selection and "Go Juice," a selection of non-alcoholic energy drinks, juices and sodas. Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, with happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Look out for specials during the week including free tokens with drink purchase on Token Tuesdays and Ladies night on Wednesdays, when women play for free.

Crescent Ballroom

Love will tear us apart at Sean Watson's 7th Annual Halloween Costume Ball at Crescent Ballroom on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.(Photo: Melissa Fossum/Special for The Republic)

This popular venue has a two-level patio out front and lounge that serves cocktails like the Honey Badger and Mexican dishes like the Poquito Bean and Cheese Burrito, Tinga Torta and Lalo Burger. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays. The ballroom is the best spot to catch indie acts, with wooden-bleacher seats in the back and a side area for underage patrons, depending on the show.

This cool theater and lounge features indie flicks, foreign films and throwback movies you can enjoy while sipping a glass of beer or wine. Catch a film with a date or group of friends, then hang out in the lounge or patio to talk about your favorite scenes. Concessions include candy, popcorn and tamales, and patrons are welcome to bring their own food.